Looking back on B.C.
A site not often found in the rear view, and one I’ll be looking back on for sometime.
As promised to myself, I was able to be released from the confines of the Missoula valley and be reminded of what it’s like to be free on the open road. My trip to the southern interior of British Columbia was a perfect escape of my routine existence and a much needed refreshment for mind, body and spirit.
Take a look at the complete photographic set posted at flickr:
Views of the Southern Interior of British Columbia : Oot and aboot in Canada.
I’ve tried to retain that sweet taste of being footloose and free, but coming back has been more bitter than sweet - back to school, back to work, back to the fields of sleep-walking sheep.
I was planning on writing a full narrative photo-journal of the week-long trip, but now that I’m back, the pressures of obligation are closing in upon me, attacking from all sides, nagging at my creative energy. The resolutions I made on this trip are quickly being put to the test.
It stood out to me that in B.C., Nelson especially, it was common for smiles to be shared freely with strangers on the street. Since returning, I’ve noticed that eye contact alone is hard to come by from those in passing. I’d like to say I’m going to keep smiling, and see what I can do to force a smile on others, even if I have to slap ‘em upside the head yelling, “Hey! Wake up! Pull your head out your ass and let’s be of good cheer!”
At the moment however, I especially sympathize with each and every face that is void of mirth, even in the midst of beauty and mystery. Ironically, in our material pursuit of comfort and convenience, our fast-paced lives are maximized with obligations, distractions, and demands - complicated to the point of perpetual restlessness and fatigue.
…no wonder the glum faces.
Maybe we should simplify. Slow down… Take a vacation from complication.
